Two heartbroken pet owners have alleged that a groomer "fried" their dog's brain with a blow dryer, despite repeated warnings.
Anthony Russo and Miguel Manzi are suing Unleashed Spa Pet Grooming for $3 million after a trip to the Avenue B groomer on May 18 ended in tragedy.
According to The New York Post, Manzi claims that he found their six-year-old Chow Chow - Panda - unresponsive on the floor, barely breathing and with her tongue hanging out, after the appointment.
“You killed my dog,” he exclaimed, per the publication. “She’s dying! You need to rush her to the vet.”
The owner rushed their pet to an emergency vet but she tragically died from hyperthermia and brain damage.
It was later discovered that her temperature reached “well over” 106 degrees, as cited by court papers.
“Having such a high temperature for so long fried her brain,” the dog's owners were allegedly told by the vet.
Per the court filing, the couple claimed that they warned the groomer about their Panda's breed, and how its fur can overheat, which is why the pooch could only be blow-dried in a cool setting.
They were reassured by the employees that they had several dogs of a similar breed and were aware of their needs, and promised to keep their dog comfortable with central air conditioning.
Furthermore, the court papers alleged that the staff said they would call the owners if their pet showed any signs of discomfort and distress.
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Russo and Manzi have contended that the groomer's negligence and failure to listen to their requests led to an “unnecessary and avoidable death".
However, in a Google Review, the owner of the store has disputed Russo and Manzi's story.
Responding to a one-star review that somebody had shared citing the New York Post's story, the owner of the establishment wrote: "His dog had a seizure at the end of his groom. We don’t have heated dryers."
"I would never allow a dog to lay [unconscious] in my shop," the owner added. "This is a lie. Please do not believe this story. Heated dryers are against the law in NY and health inspectors come and check all of the time. Notice the whole story is 'alleged'."
According to NYC.gov: "Animal-handling facilities may NOT use Box/Cage Dryers that contain a heating unit. Only cage or box driers that circulate unheated air may be used. Dryers with a heating unit may be used only when they are manually held and operated."
Panda’s death has “left a void that nothing could fill,” and the grief has left them “shattered".
The filing states that the dog was “a vital source of emotional support and companionship" for both men, who suffer from medical conditions.
They also claimed to have not received a refund of the $380 grooming charge which included nail clipping, fur cutting, shampooing, and a blowout.
Russo shared a heartbreaking tribute to Panda on social media, which read: “I watched you being born and unfortunately, I saw you when you went to heaven. I tried to be the best daddy I could be but I feel like I failed you.”
He also revealed that his other dog, Ember, had to be taken to BluePearl Pet Hospital because she was suffering from a broken heart after her loss.
On Instagram, the owner wrote: "Grief is an uncontrollable phenomenon that arises unexpectedly, impervious to planning or regulation. The passing of my dog, Panda, has been an extremely difficult ordeal.
"Attempts to cope with the pain through work, solitude, and busyness have proven ineffective, as the longing for Panda consistently finds a way to resurface. I miss my faithful companion dearly; their absence leaves me sad"
The couple’s attorney, Peggy Collen, also offered some words: “Panda’s tragic and avoidable death due to the negligence of Unleashed Spa has caused immense emotional suffering and pain - the pain of a parent suffering from their child’s death."
“This case exemplifies the need for the law to adapt and recognize the true status of companion animals in the lives of their human families,” she added.
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